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City calls 'time out' on tall buildings

A moratorium on reviewing plans for Sponge Docks high-rises will buy time to study current rules.

By NICOLE JOHNSON
Published September 22, 2005

TARPON SPRINGS - City commissioners Tuesday voted to institute a 90-day moratorium on consideration of buildings 75 feet tall at the Sponge Docks.

The decision comes after news that Pappas Riverside Restaurant closed while its owners consider ideas for a mixed-use development, possibly including a seven-story hotel.

The Sponge Docks are the only place in the city where 75-foot buildings are allowed. Developers must first get a conditional use permit from the City Commission to build at that height.

Mayor Beverly Billiris said the current ordinance did not give the city enough control when considering those projects.

"We need to sit back, take a deep breath and really figure out what we're doing," said Billiris, who has expressed concern about the possibility of tall buildings on the docks. "I'm afraid as it is now, our backs will be against the wall."

The current conditional use ordinance requires that before developers can build on the docks, they must resolve any issues with surrounding residents, ensure the building is not in stark contrast with surrounding structures and install sidewalks at least 8 feet in width along the public right of way. The code also prohibits neon signs and metallic colors.

But Commissioner Robin Saenger said those restrictions aren't enough.

"I see our city as more than an investment," Saenger said. "It's our job to be overseers of this area and make sure safeguards are in place."

City Manager Ellen Posivach said the issue should have been addressed earlier.

"I've been requesting this moratorium for two years," said Posivach, who noted at least two dozen hoteliers have informally approached the city about building on the Sponge Docks.

Pappas restaurant owner Mike Kastrenakes called the moratorium unfair to property owners.

"We bought Pappas at a time when business was declining, and we did so with the thought of redeveloping the property," he said. "How fair is it to change what was in place when we purchased it?"

Commissioner Peter Nehr agreed.

"I don't think it's a good precedent to set, that when something controversial comes in, we say, "Let's slow down,' " said Nehr, who voted against the moratorium. "We can't just change the ordinance every time this happens."

The planning department will come up with a revised ordinance for allowing 75-foot buildings on the docks within three months, Posivach said.

The planning department will consider adding more requirements for setbacks and defining the style of building that could be built. There also could be a requirement that a 75-foot building would have to include some levels that are lower.

The city will not accept applications for projects that may be 75 feet high until the revised ordinance is completed.

In other business, commissioners unanimously approved a fiscal plan that, among other things, gives employees an across-the-board pay raise and funds reconstruction of several streets.

The $18.5-million general fund budget reflects an almost 5 percent increase in personnel costs due to the raise. All full- and part-time nonunion employees will receive a 5.5 percent pay increase, as will police department union members.

There are 340 budgeted full- and part-time positions in the city.

Posivach said the pay increase was necessary to stay competitive with surrounding localities.

"We've reduced our work force by 8 percent over the last few years," Posivach said. "That's why I've been so adamant about trying to keep our pay at the area average for local government, because with that reduction, everyone who has remained is having to pick up more and more duties."

Among the most hefty costs in the $7.1-million capital improvement budget are street improvements and repairs to city buildings and grounds.

The city expects to spend almost $300,000 to reconstruct Bay and Cross streets, both heavily-traveled brick streets in the city.

As for city buildings, the roof of the city library will be repaired. The cemetery is due for more than $150,000 in renovations and maintenance.

The restroom roofs at both Craig and Discovery parks will be repaired. Residents can expect new bleachers at Rotary Park. And the football field will be demolished at Sisler Park.

Finance director Arie Walker said the capital improvement budget reflects long-needed repairs.

"The increase in these areas is not unusual," she said. "We try and smooth it out as much as we can, but it's just time for those things to be done."

[Last modified September 22, 2005, 01:03:19]